Glenn Murcutt, the architect who designed artist Ken Done’s home, recently visited the property to oversee some changes that were made during a restoration project. The exterior of the house, which was initially painted in bright colors reflective of Done’s artworks and clothing, was reverted back to white after a few years. The restoration project included keeping many original features of the home, such as the tiles and joinery, while also updating certain elements like replacing terracotta floor tiles with travertine marble. The Dones view the house as a piece of art, much like Done’s paintings, and are considering how to preserve it for future generations.
The Murcutt-designed home, built in the late 1980s, is described as a modest structure with three bedrooms and a combined living room and kitchen. Murcutt aimed to create a timeless and tranquil design that would not be influenced by current architectural trends or fashions. He focused on fitting the design to the site and the client’s budget, resulting in a house that appears modern even after many decades. Murcutt envisioned the home as a type of residence that would be built if Australia had been colonised by Italians or Greeks instead of the British.
The restoration of the home was a labor of love for the Dones, who preserved many original features including Murcutt-designed handles on the kitchen cupboards and a unique pedestal in the master bathroom. Murcutt expressed satisfaction with the update, noting that his vision for the house had finally been fully realized after 36 years. The house was designed to take advantage of the Australian climate, with features such as orientation towards winter sunshine, exclusion of summer heat, and cooling breezes. Murcutt emphasized the privacy of the house, allowing residents to walk around without clothes without offending anyone.
Both Done and Murcutt aimed for the house to exude a sense of timelessness and tranquility, far removed from the architecture of shouting or novelty. The Dones plan to rent out the house in the future but joked that tenants may need to prove their knowledge of architecture before residing there. The house, with its quiet presence and fitting design for the Australian lifestyle, continues to stand as a testament to Murcutt’s skill as an architect and Done’s vision as an artist. The restoration project not only preserved the original beauty of the home but also enhanced its features for future generations to appreciate.
